Education and Early Childhood Development
October 19, 2017
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:
New Indigenous Graphic Novels Provided to Provincial Schools
Mr. Speaker, today I rise in this Honourable House to highlight the recent introduction of five Indigenous graphic novels in a series entitled “Tales from Shadow River” written by award-winning author, David Alexander Robertson. The graphic novels are historical fiction that highlight Indigenous history and culture in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2016, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development officials consulted with Indigenous groups within the province to identify potential topics for a series of historical fiction novels based on our rich Indigenous heritage.
Officials worked with leadership in each Indigenous organization who provided support, time and knowledge to collaborate on the project, selecting leaders who reviewed and revised the novels and provided feedback during their development, to ensure accuracy of cultural information. These novels represent an early step in the department’s efforts to share our rich Indigenous culture with all students.
Mr. Speaker, the five new novels are being distributed province-wide to schools with students in junior high. These novels support the curriculum outcomes of Social Studies and English Language Arts. We are proud to highlight these stories in a modern and easily accessible manner that appeals to our intermediate students and will encourage their engagement.
We hope these novels provide junior high students with an opportunity to discover more about our Indigenous heritage.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
2017 10 19 1:50 p.m.